CHAPTER 20Caleb looked up, his expression guarded. "Jane, it's nothing you need to worry about.”Her eyes narrowed. "Nothing to worry about? The entire office is buzzing, Caleb. I deserve to know.”He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Marcus went on the news. He... said some things about you, about us.”Jane's heart pounded. "What did he say?”“Listen Jane, it's nothing serious. It's nothing you should know,” he said and raked his fingers through his hair.Jane reached for the TV remote but Caleb pulled it away just in time. She stared at him with cold eyes. “If it's nothing serious as you claim, then why won't you let me see for myself?”Caleb hesitated. "He implied that you were having an affair with me while you were married to him. That you... used your body to get ahead.”Jane's face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "That's a lie! You know that's a lie!”"I do," Caleb said, his voice calm but firm. "But Marcus is trying to tarnish our reputation. He's bitter
CHAPTER 21Marcus and Abigail stepped out of the car, their arrival marked by the soft rustle of silk and the gleam of polished shoes. The grand ballroom opened before them, alive with the symphony of violins and the gentle hum of conversations.People moved gracefully, greeting each other with warm smiles and clinking glasses. The atmosphere was both calm and lively, a perfect balance of elegance and excitement. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, reflecting off the polished marble floors.Marcus walked in, his arm around Abigail's waist, both of them dressed to impress. Marcus wore a sharp, dark suit, while Abigail dazzled in a shimmering gold gown. They handed their invitation to the doorman, who scanned the unique QR code and welcomed them with a nod.Abigail's eyes widened, her grip tightening on Marcus's arm. "Wow, this place is incredible," she whispered, her voice full of awe.“Keep it together," Marcus murmured back, his gaze sharp as it swept over the crowd.
CHAPTER 22“Ladies and gentlemen,” he started, his voice strong yet warm. “Thank you all for coming tonight. As we all know, the gathering is for charity and I never expected many people to show up. Thank you so much for considering the invitation.”“The charity ball is something I have always wanted to do, but it was only recently that the passion truly ignited within me.”He paused, scanning the room. “Tonight, we are here to support thousands of children who can not go to school and families who struggle to put food on the table. The world is becoming unbearable for people who can't afford things they want. Therefore your contributions tonight will make a significant difference. It’s not just about the money; it’s about putting smiles on faces and giving hope where there was none.”A round of applause filled the room, including from Jane, whose smile caught Caleb's eye and made his lips curl slightly in response. He continued, “This dream wasn’t mine alone. Someone very special to
CHAPTER 23Caleb led her through the guests, turning their way toward a group of his friends gathered near the bar. The closer they got, the more the air buzzed with excitement and curiosity. When they finally arrived, Caleb's friends turned to greet them, their faces lighting up with genuine delight."Jane, I'd like you to meet some of my oldest friends," Caleb said, introducing each one by name. "Everyone, this is my wife, Jane.”The friends, with their vibrant personalities, surged forward, eager to meet her. One of them, a tall man with a mischievous grin, extended his hand."Jane, it's such a pleasure to finally meet you," he said warmly. "Caleb's been keeping you a secret far too long."Jane laughed, the sound bright and infectious. "I'm not sure about that, but it's wonderful to meet all of you.”Another friend, a woman with striking red hair and a sharp, stylish outfit, stepped forward. "Jane, you look absolutely stunning tonight. That dress is to die for!""Thank you," Jane re
CHAPTER 24Jane pulled away from Marcus, her face flushed and her eyes wide with panic. “Lilian it's not what it seems!” She cried out desperately.Lilian fled without looking back, leaving Jane in a daze. Anger surged through her, and she slapped Marcus hard across the cheek. "You’re an asshole," she spat, her voice trembling with fury.Marcus smirked, unfazed. "Admit it," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "You missed me. Caleb can’t make you feel what I can." He slapped her on the butt, adding a cruel edge to his words.“Fuck you,” she cursed.He grinned. “Oh I bet you do.”Jane's heart pounded as she bolted into the hall, her mind racing, desperate to find Lilian. She collided with Brian, almost spilling his drink. "Hi.”Jane forced a smile, her unease clear in her eyes. “Brian, its good to have you here,” her voice wavered, betraying her inner turmoil.“Thank you Jane— I mean, Mrs lockwood.”Jane scratched her head and forced a smile. “Please just call me Jane.”Brian
CHAPTER 25Jane's breath caught as she stared at the Polaroids on her bed, afraid to come close. There were a lot of pictures of the child sleeping and laughing. The baby, with his chubby cheeks and bright eyes, looked uncannily like a young version of Caleb.She reached for a picture and traced a finger around the baby's face, questions swirling in her mind. “Isn't he cute?” she said with a smile.She gathered the photos, placing them carefully on her bedside drawer chest, and tried to push the questions from her mind. Why were these pictures here? Who had left them?Perhaps it was a mistake that they had been sent to her. Shrugging out of her clothes, she lay naked in bed, wrapping the sheets around her. Sleep claimed her quickly, and her silent snore faded into the night.The next morning, Jane was jolted awake by the sound of her door being pushed open. She sat up, her heart pounding as she saw Caleb standing there, his face twisted in rage.“Caleb,” she started, slowly getting on
CHAPTER 26“Stop,” he countered but his tone was weak.“I've missed you caleb,” she said softly. “You don't even glance at me anymore.”“I'm married,” he protested, trying hard to not glare at her exposed thigh.She scoffed and leaned in, her lips brushing his softly. “She won't know, ever.”Caleb jerked back, his voice firm. "Stella, no. You need to leave.”Stella's eyes widened in hurt but she nodded and left the office. Caleb leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. The distraction hadn't helped. His thoughts kept drifting back to Jane, to the kiss, to the confusion and anger. He was sexually frustrated and he hadn't meant to assert dominate but he wasmad she had let Marcus kiss her in those places. Places he would never touch her.Later that evening, Caleb went home earlier than usual, determined to find Jane and try to make things right. He knocked on her door, but there was no response. He pushed the door open and was greeted by the soothing scent of essential oils and sce
CHAPTER 27Jane stormed into the boardroom, her arms full of files, only to freeze when she saw the eyes of the entire boardroom staring at her in distaste. At the end of the long table sat Xavier, his expression unreadable. The room was thick with tension, and the air felt stifling.Caleb, sitting at the head of the table, fixed her with an icy glare. "What time is it, Jane?" he demanded, his tone authoritative.Jane glanced at her wristwatch, her heart pounding. "It's past eleven," she said softly."You're an hour late," Caleb snapped. "Do you have any excuse?”"I'm sorry, but no one informed me—" she began.Caleb cut her off, his voice cold. “What do you mean no one told you? Have you forgotten your role? If you checked your emails regularly, you would be up to date with company information. This is unacceptable.”"I'm really sorry, Caleb," Jane said, her voice trembling. "It won't happen again.”"Leave," Caleb ordered, his gaze unwavering. "You’ve wasted enough of our time.”Overw